Travelling from Manchester Airport, we’ll enjoy the opportunity to discover beautiful Lake Maggiore. As well as this, we’ll make the most of our included excursions, with a trip to the famous Borromean Islands to begin with. After this, we’ll spend time in Zermatt, where we’ll be able to admire views of the wonderful Matterhorn Mountain, and will then take a ride on the Lake Maggiore Express.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Borromean Islands The unique Borromean Islands, located off the coast of Stresa, are a highly popular feature of the Italian Lakes. We’ll take the time to explore the wonderful Isola Bella, with its ornate royal palace and gardens, and will also enjoy included entrance into the palace itself.

Undoubtedly the most famous of the Borromean Islands, Count Vitaliano Borromeo began the transformation in 1662 with the construction of the palace and the ornamental gardens.

The palace is full of ornate rooms, which are sure to remind you of a past full of grand receptions and sumptuous feasts. The most curious part of the palace is its grottoes; the walls are adorned with a mosaic of shells and pebbles and are a welcome retreat on a hot day!

We’ll also look forward to a visit to the island’s small fishing village, Isola Pescaton.

Full Day: Lake Maggiore Express

We’ll enjoy a scenic journey on the Lake Maggiore Express, which includes travel by rail and boat in order to see the full beauty of this part of the Italian Lakes. This trip will take us to some of the most popular towns surrounding Lake Maggiore, and we’ll get the chance to enjoy excellent views out over the lake during our journey.

For excellent photo opportunities and wonderful scenic views, this journey will be the ideal day out.

Full Day: Zermatt & the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is well-known throughout the world for its unique appearance, and it’s also one of the highest mountains in the Alps. This magnificent mountain looms over the village of Zermatt, creating an amazing backdrop at all times of the year.

We’ll visit Zermatt during our holiday and will be able to admire the local area to our heart’s content, as we’ll have free time in the village. We’ll be able to wander through the streets and enjoy the amazing views that are available, both of the Matterhorn and when out and about in the village.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Full Day: Discover Verbainia & Villa TarantoLocated on the shore of Lake Maggiore, the bustling city of Verbania is always exciting to visit. We’ll enjoy leisure time here and will be able to admire the wonderful views out over the lake, as well as taking a trip to the local market. This weekly market has everything from local produce to hand-made trinkets on sale, so we’ll be able to purchase souvenirs of our time here, or treat loved ones at home to something special.

After this, we'll make our way to the Gardens of Villa Taranto, which are simply marvellous. The creation of Captain Neil Mc Eacharn, who moved to Italy from Scotland in 1931, the gardens were crafted by Mc Eacharn after he fell in love with the setting of the villa. Thank to his passion for horticulture, he chose to create one of the world’s most expansive and most intriguing botanical gardens.

Today, there are thousands of plants housed within the gardens, which surround the pretty Villa Taranto. Some of the many flowers that we’ll be able to find include dahlias, water lilies, lotus flowers, and many others, and the gardens are famous for their Davidia involucrate and Cornus Florida Rubra trees, which are some of the rarest examples in the world.

Full Day: Lake Orta Tour

Lake Orta is located just to the west of Lake Maggiore and will be one of the many optional excursions that we’ll be able to take when we’re on holiday in Baveno. This lake is incredibly attractive and is surrounded by beautiful scenery and pretty architecture.

While we’re visiting Lake Orta on our optional day trip, we’ll be able to enjoy a boat trip which will take us to the popular Isola San Giulio, a small island on the lake. The island features picturesque views out to the shores and is home to many pretty buildings that have been built on the island over the years.

Full Day: Macugnaga & Monte Rosa

Found in the Piedmont region, the village of Macugnaga is located on a mountainside and is famous for being at the base of the Dufourspitze Mountain. This is the second-tallest mountain in the whole of Europe, and the village’s placement affords it amazing views and an incredibly scenic location. Part of the Monte Rosa Mountain is visible from Macugnaga as well, as the Gorner Glacier towers over the village to the east.

We’ll spend a number of hours in the village, enjoying the many shops that it has to offer, as well as taking pictures of the great views that we’ll be able to experience there.

EXTRAS

Candlelight dinner with glass of Italian champagneBe treated to a candlelight dinner with glass of Italian champagne during your stay at the Hotel Beau Rivage.